One of Al Khaja’s films won a prize at the Dubai International Film Festival in 2007. In addition, the Emirati has also set up her own production company (D-SEVEN), and she also  heads up the UAE’s first official film club.

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Al Khaja’s career choice coupled with her willingness to tackle taboo subjects has often led to controversy. Her last short film, which was released in 2010, took a look at the issues raised by arranged marriages. In ‘Malal’, a young Emirati couple visit Kerala on a honeymoon that is soured by the wife’s boredom with her new husband. In January she told Arabian Business she thinks she has ‘mellowed’ somewhat. Her first feature — which tells the story of a young Arab girl and a British traveller’s chance meeting in the deserts near Hatta in the 1960s — is currently on the drawing board.

Click here to read Nayla Al Khaja’s interview on Arabian Business